Here's the actual outcome of not turning on airplane mode on your phone

Curious about the effects of not enabling airplane mode on your phone during a flight? The outcome may be more interesting than you think. Since 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has prohibited the use of cell phones on airplanes due to potential interference with ground networks, although evidence supporting this risk has been limited.

In 2006, the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) reported no verified cases of cell phones disrupting ground systems. Despite this, the FCC maintained the ban in 2007 as a precautionary measure. Over the years, research has provided clearer insights into the matter.

By 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) studied practices of international airlines that allowed passengers to make calls through onboard cellular systems. The report found no confirmed disturbances caused by phone use during flights. In 2013, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler urged Congress to reconsider the restrictions, arguing that technological advances eliminated the original technical concerns, and that the decision should be left to individual airlines. Congress, however, did not change the rules.

Skipping airplane mode on a plane can have practical consequences. Passenger safety and cabin order are primary concerns. For instance, Representative Greg Walden from Oregon warned that allowing cell phones in-flight could lead to chaotic situations among passengers. Airlines supported the continuation of the ban to prevent conflicts and ensure a smoother travel experience.

In the United States, passengers are required to follow crew instructions, including turning devices to airplane mode. Failing to comply may lead to fines or even jail time, as obstructing crew duties is a serious offense. While airlines cannot directly detect whether your phone is in airplane mode, attentive flight attendants can often notice. Actor Alec Baldwin famously experienced this when he was removed from an American Airlines flight for refusing to enable airplane mode while playing a game on his phone.

Legally, not activating airplane mode is not a criminal act, but it does violate FAA regulations, which can carry penalties. Meanwhile, in Europe, airlines have permitted phone calls and data use via 5G since 2023. Whether the U.S. will adopt similar policies remains uncertain.

Author: Sophia Brooks